"Living Healthy"
Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes
Learn to take control of your chronic illness, rather than letting the illness control you! "Living Healthy" is a six-week long workshop series for people with chronic conditions and their caregivers. These include heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and others. Participants learn the following skills:
- How to manage your symptoms;
- How to work with your health care providers;
- Dealing with stress and negative emotions;
- Relaxation techniques and communication skills;
- How to set and achieve realistic goals; and
- Developing healthy eating and activity habits.
The series is taught by peers who have chronic conditions or care for people with chronic conditions. Trainers are certified through Stanford University's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Meetings are highly interactive, focusing on building skills, sharing experiences, and support. Call 607-756-4198 for more information about upcoming courses.
The program is being offered as a collaborative effort of Seven Valleys Health Coalition, Family Health Network, the Central New York Diabetes Prevention Partnership, the Cortland County Health Department, and the New York State Department of Health "Healthy Heart" Program.